San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma resonate with chotis in Madrid. This courtly dance, declared a Cultural Heritage Asset, fills the capital's streets every summer.
The August festivities in Madrid have their own rhythm, that of the chotis, a dance that arrived in the capital in 1850 and is now a hallmark of identity. San Cayetano, San Lorenzo and La Paloma are celebrated to the tune of this dance, declared part of the San Isidro Festivities as Cultural Heritage Asset in December 2021.
The chotis, whose name derives from the German 'schottisch' (Scottish), was first danced in Madrid on the night of November 3, 1850, at a party organised by Queen Isabel II at the Royal Palace. Since then, this 'German polka' has moved from aristocratic salons to the squares and streets of the city.
This summer, the chotis returns to Madrid with multiple activities. The chotis competition on August 13 in the Plaza de la Paja, organised by the Municipal Board of Centro and the groups Los Castizos and El Orgullo de Madrid, is one of the highlighted events. During the festivities, spontaneous dances also take place throughout the capital.
One of the peculiarities of the chotis is that the woman leads the steps, which distinguishes it from other dances and, according to experts, makes it a symbol of Madrid's identity where female leadership is essential. For locals and visitors, it is an opportunity to participate in a living tradition that connects with the city's history.
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